Monday, April 16, 2007

Let’s Run This Up The Flagpole

Would an annual "convention" of bipolar disorder bloggers be feasible or desirable? A way we could get together socially, therapeutically, and professionally? Maggs (I think), used to host a get-together a couple of years ago, and it sounds like they had fun.

Actually, "convention" implies a very structured event, and I don’t envision that, at least at this point. "Get-together" implies a very loose event, and I don’t envision that either. I’d like a way to bring people together, for a day or two at the most, with enough structure to keep people from staring at each other all day, but enough free time so we can get to know each other. I would envision round-tables on important topics, workshops, support groups, and perhaps even speakers. All put together by us, using our talents and resources.

This could be an aggressive, structured undertaking, or it could be a handwritten agenda in a spiral notebook. It all depends on how many of us are interested. If there’s 6 people interested, we get together in a motel coffee shop at a central location we can agree on. If there’s a hundred interested, we look for a hotel with a meeting room. This wouldn’t be limited to bipolar bloggers, I know we have hundreds of people out there that read our blogs and never comment. We have caregivers, health professionals, social workers. Anyone would be encouraged to come. If we get enough people we’ll attract corporate attention and sponsorship assistance.

Now I know what you’re all thinking, and yes, I am hypomanic. But this sounds like something that would not only be fun, but helpful as well.

Thoughts?

8 comments:

Kiley said...

We've talked about something like this off on on over on the IRC channel (#bipolar) that I'm on; seems like something everyone would want to do, but no one ever gets around to really organizing. I'm game!

Jon said...

The only way to get it done is for someone to stick their neck out. I'll post about this shortly, but I'm thinking September, someplace in the US heartland - Kansas City, Des Moines, Omaha, Denver, or any other suggestion. Kansas City would probably get my vote.

Kiley said...

Oklahoma City might be a possibility, too?

Lee Harris said...

I like the idea. I did go to an National Education Association convention in K.C. and found it lacking. Dirty, crime, and worst of all, they roll up the sidewalks after the "business" day.

I like Des Moines. Iowans are nice folk. I am prejudiced though, I went to university south of Des Moines on the Iowa/Missouri border.

I might be able to fly up and join you.

CP said...

I think it is a great idea and I think Disneyworld would be the ultimate place! Tomorrowland, Fantasyland, Frontierland...all different lands for varying states of mania! How perfect would that be! I'm totally in for a REAL structured get together! Will be happy to help organize...and maybe we can get Tom Wooten to speak!

How bout them apples?

CP.

Anonymous said...

Sounds like a great plan....now we have to find a group of us stable enough to plan it....

Kiley said...

Des Moines...Lee, you nearly have me convinced!

Jon said...

Hey all - Thanks for the input. Let's see what shakes out.